LoginOutlines problem of radon in buildings and current state of knowledge. Suggests reduction of radon by a) more efficient ventilation, b) use of diffusion resistant films to seal wall surfaces and c) elimination of certain active materials.
Bibliographic database Airbase
AIRBASE is the Bibliographic Database of the AIVC. It contains publications and abstracts of articles related to energy efficient ventilation. Where possible, sufficient detail is supplied in the bibliographic details for users to trace and order the material via their own libraries. Topics include: ventilation strategies, design and retrofit methods, calculation techniques, standards and regulations, measurement methods, indoor air quality and energy implications etc. Entries are based on articles and reports published in journals, internal publications and research reports, produced both by university departments and by building research institutions throughout the world. AIRBASE has grown and evolved over many years (1979 to present day, over 22000 references and 16000 documents available online). For most of the references, the full document is also available online.
The AIVC website includes a protected content feature that provides access to AIRBASE. Access to the protected content is free of charge but requires you to register first.
Presents theoretical model which represents a technique of correlating the easily performed pressurization measurement with the more difficult tracer gas technique.
Outlines the problems of modelling air infiltration. Reports measurements of the leakage function measured at low pressures using an alternating pressure source with variable frequency and displacement.
Discusses the problem of increased levels of indoor air pollution due to reduced ventilation. Suggests ways of lowering pollutant concentrations without compromising energy conservation.
Describes the results of a major study to find out whether or not wall insulation installed without a vapour barrier causes an increased risk of moisture damage within walls. The exterior walls of 96 homes in Portland, Oregon were opened.
Gives brief description of the new computer package developed by the Oscar Faber partnership for predicting the movement of smoke during a building fire.
Considers windows as part of system of air controlling features of buildings to enhance air movement through living zone to cool occupants. Discusses how air is moved by pressure differences set up as wind strikes a building.
Notes that indoor air can contain between 01 - 100 x 10\9 ppm particles and that sub-micronic particles (1 -100 micro m) dominate. Defines indoor as microbiological laboratories, public buildings including the stations, nurseries, cinemas etc.
Investigation has shown connection between radon content in mines and lung cancer in miners. Radon is also present in building structures.
Reports first report from committee, "Preliminary proposals for measures against radiation risks in dwellings".
The Swedish building regulations give recommended tightness values for buildings of 3 air changes per hour for single houses, 2 air changes per hour for other housing with not more than two stories and 1 air change per hour fortaller buildings.
Describes a model for calculating the energy losses caused by ventilation and uncontrolled leakage of air in buildings. Discusses leakage characteristics of building envelope and duct system, the effects of wind and stack effects.
Reports a series of experiments made in the U.S. Bureau of Mines radon test chamber to study the effects of condensation nuclei, humidity and turbulence on the rapid deposition or plateout of radon daughter activity on the chamber walls.
Presents model of indoor pollution that assumes a linear relation between indoor pollutant levels and the air change rate. Discusses effect of heating system and cooking on pollutant levels and ventilation rate.
Gives general discussion of sources of radon gas and its daughter products. Reviews measurements made of radon concentrations in air. Outlines control strategies for limiting radon in buildings.
Heating systems may emit pollutants into living spaces of buildings. Presents model for estimating exposure to pollutants allowing for variation of air change rate and inside-outside temperature differences.
Points out that conservation measures such as storm windows which seal a building protect occupants from outdoor air pollution but amplify effects of pollution generated indoors. Considers which effect is greater.
Gives results of a survey carried out in December 1978 on heating and ventilating of dwellings. 2000 men and women were questioned throughout the federal republic.
Reports measurements of air change rates carried out in the living rooms of 39 flats built during the last 20 years using Freon 12 as a tracer gas.
Describes results of measurements of air leakage, surface pressures and air infiltration for several conventional and energy efficient houses located throughout the United States.